Thousands Homeless After Massive Fire in Dhaka Shantytown

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A massive fire swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum late Tuesday night, destroying more than 1,500 makeshift homes and leaving thousands of people homeless within hours. The blaze, which broke out around 11:30 pm, spread rapidly through the densely packed shantytown, fueled by tightly clustered tin structures, plastic roofs, narrow lanes, and stored household gas cylinders.

Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the situation under control. By the early hours of Wednesday morning, one of the capital’s largest informal settlements had been reduced to a charred landscape, with families sifting through ashes in search of anything salvageable.

Residents reported hearing a loud explosion shortly before the fire erupted, though the precise cause is yet to be confirmed. Some locals suggested it may have started from an electrical short circuit, a common problem in slums where illegal and unsafe power connections are widespread. Others believe a cooking gas cylinder may have exploded.

Within minutes, flames shot high above the rooftops as frightened families scrambled to escape with children, elderly relatives, and whatever belongings they could grab. Witnesses said the fire traveled so quickly that many households had only seconds to react.

“We woke up to the sound of screams. By the time we stepped out, the fire was already in front of our door,” said Shahana Begum, a 32-year-old resident who lost her home and all her possessions. “We ran with our children. We didn’t have time to take anything.”

Local volunteers formed human chains to guide people toward safer areas and attempted to douse small pockets of flame with buckets of water, but the intensity of the fire made it impossible to contain.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, at least 15 fire engines were deployed to the scene. Fire officials said their efforts were slowed by narrow entry roads, congested lanes, and parked rickshaws blocking access points.

“We faced major challenges reaching the core of the fire. The area is extremely congested,” said Fire Service Duty Officer Ershad Hossain. “The structures inside are made of highly flammable materials. That allowed the fire to spread very fast.”

Despite the destruction, authorities confirmed no deaths in the incident, though several people, including firefighters, suffered smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Local officials estimate that between 6,000 and 7,000 people have been displaced, many of whom are low-income day laborers, garment workers, rickshaw pullers, and domestic helpers. For many of them, Korail is the only affordable living option in Dhaka’s ever-expanding urban landscape.

At dawn, thousands of residents sat in open spaces near the burned area with their children, staring at piles of twisted tin sheets and burned bamboo frames — all that remained of their homes.

“My children are crying for food. Everything we owned burned in front of us,” said rickshaw puller Habibur Rahman. “We don’t know where to go now.”

Makeshift tents began to appear early Wednesday as humanitarian groups and local volunteers distributed water, bread, biscuits, and blankets. Several families used salvaged pieces of corrugated iron to create temporary shelters.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor visited the scene shortly after dawn and promised emergency support for the victims. “We will ensure immediate relief, including food, temporary accommodation, and medical assistance,” he said. Authorities also announced plans to set up relief centers and coordinate with non-governmental organizations to provide clothing and basic supplies.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and multiple charity groups dispatched volunteers, offering first aid, cooked meals, and sanitation kits. Still, many residents said assistance was insufficient given the scale of the destruction.

“We need a place to sleep, food for our children, and help to rebuild,” said day laborer Nasima Aktar. “Winter is coming. We cannot live like this.”

Fires in informal settlements are tragically common in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka’s overcrowded neighborhoods. Korail, home to more than 200,000 people, has seen several major fires in the past decade. Many of these incidents are linked to poor infrastructure, faulty wiring, and the use of flammable building materials.

Urban planners say the government needs long-term solutions, including safer housing, proper urban planning, and regulated electrical lines. “Slums like Korail are extremely vulnerable. Without structural improvements, these disasters will continue,” said urban development expert Dr. Ahsan Khaled.

As night fell again on Wednesday, survivors remained unsure about their immediate future. With charred ruins surrounding them, many gathered in small groups, sharing stories of escape and discussing where they might sleep.

Some hoped to rebuild quickly using borrowed money. Others, especially those living hand-to-mouth, feared they would become permanently homeless.

For children, who lost school supplies, uniforms, and safe sleeping spaces, the trauma was visible. Many clung to their parents, still frightened by memories of the roaring flames.

“This place was our home for 12 years,” said 60-year-old Rahima Khatun through tears. “Now we have nothing. We don’t know where life will take us.”

While relief efforts continue, the long-term recovery of thousands of Korail residents remains uncertain. Rebuilding an entire neighborhood of low-income families will require coordinated action from authorities, aid groups, and community leaders.

For now, the displaced residents face the difficult task of restarting their lives from the ashes — in a city where safety, stability, and affordable housing remain out of reach for many.